Gear

Summertime Baby

1. ro•sham•bo baby (starting at $20). Pediatric optometrists are warning that lifetime UV damage starts in early childhood, with retinal damage from the sun having its greatest impact in kids less than 10 years old. Now parents can protect those delicate eyes this summer with the coolest Italian-made baby and children’s sunglasses by family owned and operated ro•sham•bo baby. ro•sham•bo shades make the perfect gift for a new mom, and is a beach / vacation must-have. Designed specifically for babies and children’s use, abuse and love of putting things in their mouths, ro•sham•bo are so durable that they can be bent, stretched, pulled, stepped on (they have even been run over and survived!) and bounce right back to shape; even a thirty year old man can’t break them! ro•sham•bo shades come in baby, junior and adult sizes and prices start at $20 a pair. These stylish sunglasses come in many fun designs adorably named after ’90s icons – there’s even a “Kelly Kapowski pink” and a “Zack Morris blue!”

2. Packable Pails ($14.99). Packable Pails are mom invented, square and look like a traditional full sized beach pails, but easily collapse to 2 inches in one motion. Packable Pails are not just for collecting seashells or making sandcastles on the beach! Use your Packable Pails in the backyard sandbox, for washing the car, serving snacks like sand pudding, collecting garden produce, flower vase for a fresh flower arrangement, gathering crayons and Legos, as a unique gift basket, hostess gift for the holidays or collapsible doggy water bowl for an outing. The fun and uses go on and on. Select from Starfish Orange, Sunshine Yellow, Paradise Pink or Aquatic Aqua shipped to you from our Iowa family.

3. wowease Swimwear (Starting at $35). wowease swimwear makes diaper changes and going to the bathroom a breeze for parents and kids, while remaining fun and fashionable! wowease swimwear’s unique patent-pending design allows the swimwear to open and close effortlessly. Utilizing hidden fasteners, these swimsuits make changing a diaper and potty breaks faster and easier with a quick click.

4. Babo Botanicals clear zinc SPF 30 sunscreen ($19.95). Help prevent sunburn with Babo Botanicals clear zinc SPF 30 sunscreen. This formula is non-nano, contains high UVB/UVA protection and is all-natural and kid-safe. Helps protect against dry skin. Rated a #1 in Safety on EWG!

5. Babyganics Swim Diapers ($9.99) available only at Target. Discover a brand NEW way to have fun in the sun with Babyganics Color Changing Disposable Swim Pants. These baby-safe swim diapers cover and protect in the pool, ocean, lake (or puddle!) and feature special color changing technology that interacts with UV exposure. Colors appear and change while your baby plays outside! These comfy, slip-on swim diapers are made with sustainable core material, they won’t swell or sag, and they offer UPF 50+ protection. Swim, splash and explore till you run out of giggles, baby, but you know what we say, safety first!

New Mom Series: A Baby Carrier for Hikes and Active Lifestyles

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This is our sixth post in Gugu Guru’s New Mom Series, where we provide helpful information for new and expecting moms about preparing and registering for baby. For this Baby Carrier for Hikes feature, we have partnered up with one of our favorite active and yogi mamas – Cristina Meloy; leading baby gear brand BABYBJÖRN and; the Baby Safety Zone powered by the JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association). JPMA is a national trade organization representing 95% of the prenatal to preschool industry dedicated to the safe manufacturing and usage of products. Read on to learn about the new BABYBJÖRN Carrier One Outdoors and enter to win one for your own adventures with baby.

Not all carriers are built the same and depending on your lifestyle, you may want to have more than one carrier. Some parents wear a structured carrier when they leave the house but in their home, may wear a softer wrap-style carrier. What’s important to remember is that whether you tend to like to enjoy the comforts of home or are the type of person that finds thrills in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, there’s a carrier for you. Baby gear has evolved to fit all types of lifestyles and you can rest assured that there are ways to enjoy your current lifestyle with your new baby.

Because everyone has their own unique lifestyle and parenting style, no carrier fits all when it comes to baby wearing and you should definitely try your carrier on before buying. There are some basic best practices when you’re trying out carriers, regardless of the type of carrier per Linnea Catalan, Executive Director of the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance (BCIA) who guest blogged for the JPMA Baby Safety Zone. Here are a few guidelines she shares:

A baby carrier can keep your baby in the safest place possible – on your chest and in an upright position.
Baby carriers are meant to mimic in-arms carrying positions – your baby should be in the same position in which you would hold him in your arms. Check your baby by embracing them in the carrier- your baby’s position should not shift significantly in your embrace.
Whether your carrier of choice is a sling, wrap, mei tai or buckle carrier, ensure baby always has a clear and open airway. Your baby’s head and neck should be completely supported, with their chin off their chest. Chin to chest positioning can restrict your baby’s airway, especially with babies under 4 months of age. Make sure you can slip a finger between their chin and chest.

Finding a hip healthy carrier is also important when you’re evaluating products for your baby registry. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) is a great resource for products recognized for encouraging healthy hip development, specifically products and devices used during the first six months of life that may affect hip positioning or hip motor development.

Once you have the basic guidelines down and identify carriers that are hip healthy, it’s time to find the right carrier for your lifestyle. During the summer months or if you’re traveling to warmer climates, breathability is key. If you’re the active, outdoorsy type and you want to continue this lifestyle – even with a new baby in tow – you may want to consider carriers that are engineered specifically for an active lifestyle. A new carrier on the market that is ideal for hiking is the BABYBJÖRN Carrier One Outdoors.

Here are the key features of the Carrier One Outdoors, making it ideal for outdoor adventures with your family:

Designed to be the perfect hiking baby carrier, constructed with functional materials for the outdoors like water-repellent, moisture-wicking textiles that are easy to clean.
Just like your favorite hiking or camping backpack, the Carrier One Outdoors has great features to enable active exploring with your family such as a detachable pocket on the waist belt for your cell phone, keys, pacifiers or other small items you need for your child on family days out. Several loops on the shoulder straps allow you to attach essentials like a water bottle and keep items like a security blanket or teddy conveniently close.
This carrier will grow with your child with its 4-way front and back carrying*, ideal for outdoor activities. It’s perfect from newborn to 3 years, with built-in infant position and extra support for toddlers. Baby Carrier One Outdoors allows you to continue to enjoy an active lifestyle as a parent and still be comfortable, whether you’re carrying a little child on your front or a toddler on your back. The Carrier One Outdoors has padded, form-fitting shoulder straps and a sturdy waist belt, which provide excellent support and pressure relief, especially when carrying a toddler.
Hip-healthy baby carrier, with ergonomic wide leg position for the child. The baby carrier has a 12.6 in (32 cm) seat area, which gives your child a proper ergonomic, wide-leg position when they sit facing in on your front or back. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute has tested Baby Carrier One Outdoors and acknowledges it to be a “hip-healthy baby carrier.”
Comes with a practical bag for storing and transporting the baby carrier.

*Note: front-facing should not be done until after 5 months and back carrying after 12+ months.

Gugu Guru mama Cristina Meloy took the Carrier One Outdoors to her homeland of Costa Rica, where there is no shortage of beautiful, lush locales to hike and explore. Here’s what she had to say:

“It’s so freaking cool how nowadays we can include our children in all our day-to-day activities, while providing comfort and nurturing them. Outdoor time is extremely important to me. To raise my children unplugged from TV and computer games is something I consider very valuable. Sometimes, however it is really difficult to do, especially with multiple children and/or infants. Out of all the parenting gadgets out there, a good carrier is essential. BABYBJÖRN is safe for them, comfortable for me and good looking, too! I mean, just cause we’re parents doesn’t mean we have to look boring, right?”

“I love the ability to be hands free for my eldest, too!”

The Carrier One Outdoors is available exclusively at Giggle and Right Start through October.

Featured in this week’s New Mom Series:

Cristina Meloy
Mother of two, Cristina Meloy, is one half of the couple behind the supper club PushStart Kitchen in Atlanta, Georgia. BETTER HALF is a place where family is the inspiration and connecting over food is the focus.
Follow Cristina on Instagram at @crismeloy

BABYBJÖRN
A member of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), BABYBJÖRN’s concept has always been to make day-to-day life easier for parents of small children by developing safe and innovative products of the highest quality for children up to three years old. The company strives to make the most important years of life even more fun. BABYBJÖRN products are now found around the world, in over 50 countries, and the assortment consists of baby carriers, bouncers, travel cribs, cradles, potty chairs, high chairs and kitchen products. BABYBJÖRN’s attitude is that you shouldn’t need to buy a bunch of products when your children are little. Instead, just a few that really work and last a long time in good condition. Safety, quality and style are the brand’s core principles and a lot of thought and care is put into every product!
Visit BABYBJÖRN at: https://babybjorn.com/

Baby Safety Zone
The Baby Safety Zone is an information hub and community for parents and caregivers. We’re helping make safety fun, one baby product at a time. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to immerse themselves in the Baby Safety Zone experience and become a part of a circle of parents dedicated to making their child’s first years, happy, safe and sound.

The Baby Safety Zone is powered by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. JPMA is a national trade organization representing 95% of the prenatal to preschool industry. Today, JPMA represents 250 companies in the United States, Canada, and Mexico who manufacture, import and/or distribute infant products such as cribs, car seats, strollers, bedding, and a wide range of accessories and decorative items.
Visit the Baby Safety Zone at: https://babysafetyzone.org

Summer Travel Must Haves

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Now that summer is in full swing, it seems families are out and about every chance they can get! Gugu Guru has rounded up some of the best travel must haves for summertime. These also make excellent summer baby shower gifts for a new parent!

Sponsored Post

Covered Goods Multi Use Nursing Cover, Bouquet: These multipurpose breastfeeding covers are perfect for travel; they’re lightweight and, as with any functional travel accessory, serve multiple uses! You can use these stylish covers to nurse your baby under, they’re stretchy, breathable, and cover mama in all the right places. Not nursing? These covers make a gorgeous scarf for mama when the weather turns chilly at night, as well as a grocery seat cover, and an infant seat cover. The Bouquet design is colorful for summer days on the beach and the perfect pop of color as a scarf for date nights on vacation! (Use code GUGUGURU15 for 15% off your purchase).

Babymoov Traveler Bag, Heather Grey: Looking for an all-purpose travel baby bag? The Babymoov Traveler Bag, designed in the heart of France, is a carry-all diaper/hospital/travel bag specifically designed with functionality and style in mind. The neutral color of the bag makes it perfect for either mom or dad to carry, and it features a changing mat, pacifier holder, insulated bottle pocket, and storage pocket. The changing pad is stored on the outside of the bag, which makes a quick change in a beach bathroom or airport a breeze. This lightweight bag is perfect for all of your summer adventures.

The Stair Barrier: Heading to a beach house or family vacation this summer? What do you do about all those steps in the house? The Stair Barrier has a solution! The stair barrier is an entirely new brand of safety gate product that is designed specifically for the bottom of the stairs. Made from high quality upholstery fabric, and super easy to install (no drilling!) the barrier is lightweight and easy to travel with. If you’re headed to a new location, simply roll up the Stair Barrier and carry it with you – installation at a new location is super easy, and protects both babies and pets from crawling up the stairs!

GoTo 2in1 Portable Travel High Chair, black: The GoTo 2in1 Portable Travel High Chair is the perfect companion for parents who love to take their baby out to restaurants when they travel. This chair holds an infant car seat at the perfect feeding height, as well as having leg room for a secure and effective highchair. Take it with you on vacation, camping or just use it around the house. The GoTo travel chair also has storage pockets for your baby’s silverware, bibs, napkins and pacifier. It comes with a handy carrying case that neatly fits your foldable high chair. It has a strap for easy carrying and you can haul it on your shoulder like a small duffle bag. It stows unassumingly in the closet or trunk so you can access it whenever you need.

Babyhome’s Emotion Stroller: Looking for a perfect travel stroller? With it’s large basket for trinkets and souvenirs, the Babyhome Emotion Stroller is the ultimate travel companion. With its large seat recline, babies as young as 3 months can use the stroller, which fits easily through all door ways and rides smoothly on even the bumpiest of streets. Most importantly, it is incredibly easy to fold up and stands up right, and out of the way when not in use. With its waterproof canopy, this stroller is wonderful for music festivals, picnics, and the beach!

b.box diaper wallet, mellow lellow: When traveling, quick diaper changes are a must! We’re big fans of the b.box diaper wallet because it is the only diaper wallet with a built in wipes compartment and dual access to wipes. Wipes can be accessed inside when it’s change time, or if you need to quickly clean little fingers, grab a wipe from the external hatch. The wallet comes with an easy to clean changing pad and plenty of room for storage for two disposable diapers or even a spare change of clothes.

Well Rounded NY’s Small Spaces Picks

by Gugu Guru 1 Comment

The ladies of Well Rounded NY – the foremost experts on chic city living -and therefore, by default also masters of petite living quarters – have curated some of their favorite “small spaces” picks for your baby registry and we have them listed here. Have a Gugu Guru registry? Add them all in our new WRNY Small Spaces category!

GB Pockit stroller

Designed for frequent travelers, the gb Pockit Stroller in Monument Black quickly folds into an ultra-compact package shaped like a handbag for simple transport on airplanes and more. The stroller offers a self-standing folded option for added versatility when you and baby are dining out.

SkipHop Pronto changing station

The Pronto is our portable diapering essentials kit that ensures that baby is always clean, dry and happy, and that mom and dad are always prepared. Drop it in any bag, strap it to your wrist or clip it to your stroller and you’re good to go. With loads of features, our Pronto is a favorite of moms and dads everywhere. Its extra wide mod changing pad wipes clean, and the head area is cushioned with an innovative pronto pillow. The pad is also removable, allowing the body to become an independent diaper carry all.

Puj tub

The Puj Tub is the easiest bath tub ever! Made from a soft foam that folds and conforms to almost any sink, the Puj Tub cradles and protects the baby during bath time. Hang or store the tub flat anywhere you would like…even on the back of your door and out of sight!

Babyhome – Dream bassinet

As a lightweight sleeping system, the Air is the only bassinet you’ll need whether your lifestyle is on-the-go or you’re dyed-in-the-wool homebodies. With a beautifully constructed frame boasting a brilliant leg design that transforms from wheels, to stationary, to rocker on the fly, the quality of the Air is evident from the ground up. The mesh window on the side of the Air creates for a well ventilated sleeping space and serves to give you a view into the bassinet without disturbing your sleeping baby.

Micuna OVO Chair

The Ovo high chair was designed and manufactured with the best materials in mind. Components such as solid beech wood, high quality textiles for upholstery, and the best leatherette, only for those with the most distinguished taste. The fusion of these materials makes Ovo a product that will leave a lasting impression.

DockATot
The Deluxe dock is the ultimate docking station for your baby ages 0-8 months old. Multifunctional and multitasking, the Dockatot™ Deluxe offers a safe and comfy spot that lets baby lounge, play, cuddle, do tummy time and get diaper changes. Deluxe docks are lightweight and portable, allowing for easy travel.

Lorena Canals rug

Machine-washable: easy to wash, it can be washed at home in a conventional washing machine. Handmade: carefully and individually handmade by artisans. Eco-friendly: 100% natural cotton and non-toxic dyes.

Finn+Emma activity gym

Get ready for the best playdate ever! Our 2 height adjustable Play Gym has a 100% birch wood frame finished with non-toxic stains and lacquers (free of lead, phthalate, nickel, mercury, formaldehyde and ultra low VOC’s). The wooden toys are non-toxic, made from all natural untreated indian hardwood buffed with vegetable seed wax. The knit dolls were made with phthalate-free rattles inside and hand knit from organic cotton.

Babybjorn Mini Bouncer

Safely holds your baby for you in the early days at home. Gives proper support to a very young baby’s neck and back. Natural bouncing, no batteries required. Can be used from newborn up.

Baby K’tan

Wrap-style baby carrier with no wrapping required. Patented double-loop design is as easy to put on (and as comfortable) as a t-shirt.

Ergo Nursing Pillow

The Ergobaby Natural Curve™ Nursing Pillow with brown cover provides nursing mothers the support they need to nurse comfortably and bond with their baby.

Wall Decals – Urban Walls

Our cat wall decals feature friendly faces that will keep your walls in good company for many days to come. These easy to install cats will fill your wall with elegance and style in just minutes. From matte black to metallic gold they can be cut in any of our over 25 available colors for you to select from.

Wall Hooks – Land of Nod

We have a theory that the ancient pyramids were not built as tombs, but they were constructed to hang giant jackets. Although, we’re only basing that on these pyramid wall hooks, featuring a combo of solid colors and patterns that are perfect for a child’s bedroom or playroom.

Honest Diaper/Wipe Bundle

Babyletto Dottie Bookcase

Add pop color, playful style, and serious function to your nursery or playroom with the Dottie Bookcase. Sized for books, buddies, and baskets of toys, the Dottie bookshelf will help keep your babe’s room neat and organized. Plus a palette of moveable, multicolor dots lets you customize which colors to display and match any modern decor.

Munchkin Step Diaper Pail

This is the new gold standard in diaper pails! STEP is the only pail that combines best-in-class odor control with a modern, sleek aesthetic that looks great in any nursery AND an easy-to-use foot pedal.

To help you stock your small space nursery, we’ve teamed up with Well Rounded NY to bring you a Small Space Registry Package giveaway worth nearly $1,500! Enter here.

Introducing Elizabeth Granados and The House of NOA

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As parents, we’re always concerned with our baby’s safety, so we strive to make our homes as safe for them as possible. But, we also want our homes to be stylish places for adults, too – which is why we love the concept behind The House of NOA! The House of NOA, founded by mompreneur Elizabeth Granados, creates traditional foam play mats for babies and kids – however, these are crafted with gorgeous designs – which are sure to add style to any room of your house. Elizabeth’s vision was to create a beautiful play mat both mama and baby would love. She teamed up with Illustrator and Designer, Sophia Vincent Guy, to create a unique and original design unlike any other play mat available. When you lay down the foam mat pieces, they create the illusion of a beautiful rug – but this “beautiful rug” is easy to clean and able to withstand the rough and tumble of a toddler! Unlike anything else on the market, the Little Nomad play mats are an elegant addition to any room of your house!

GG: How did you decide to launch your business? Tell us a little more about Little Nomad.
E.G.: The idea for Little Nomad came to me long before I was ever pregnant with my first and only child. In fact, at the time I was struggling with infertility. A friend of mine invited me over to her gorgeous new home and upon opening the front door – the otherwise tastefully decorated family room was covered in tacky foam plats. I began to have visions of how they could be reimagined, but felt that maybe I didn’t have the authority to have an opinion on the matter since I wasn’t a Mother myself. Years later and several months after giving birth to my daughter, the idea resurfaced in my mind, but this time with the confidence I needed to turn the vision from dream to reality. I decided to launch on Kickstarter as a way to validate the product rather than using investor funding because I wanted to get close to my customers from the start. What better way to build a company than to attract a community of tribe members who have your back and believe in what you’re doing?

GG: How do you balance work and family?
E.G.: I started working on Little Nomad when my daughter Taliah was about 6 months old. As an entrepreneur, my mind is always thinking of ideas and ways to change or improve what I’m working on. Sometimes, it can be difficult to turn these thoughts off so that I can focus on my family.

Additionally, I feel like my iPhone can be a terrible distraction – so I try to keep it out of sight when I’m spending time with my daughter. With my husband in residency and working very long hours, my most cherished moments of the day are at about 5:30AM when my daughter gets up and we eat breakfast as a family. In this fast paced world, its important for me to always be mindful of what matters more than any email or Facebook post, my wonderful husband and daughter.

GG: What’s the best part of being an mompreneur?
E.G.: When I was nine years old, my Mother developed an educational board game. She took my brother and I with her to Taiwan to meet with manufacturers. I didnt realize the impact that had on me until recently. My Mom taught me to be a fearless entrepreneur, leading by example. I hope to show my daughter that as women, we can achieve any goal we set our minds to. I hope to give her the same gift that my Mom gave me.

Product Discovery: Micuna Cribs

by Gugu Guru 1 Comment

We became absolutely smitten with Micuna at the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas this past October. When you browse through their products, you can see that design and high-quality craftsmanship are top of mind considerations for Micuna. Recognized for their commitment to design, quality and safety of its products, Micuna was one of the first Spanish companies to comply with the high standards of European quality and safety. What’s more, Micuna products are crafted with eco-friendly practices and materials including wood obtained from sustainable forests.

Today we shine the spotlight on the LIFE crib collection and HARMONY evolutive crib (but the Micuna U.S. collection also includes the OVO high chair and SMART FRESH bassinet.)

LIFE Collection
You may remember our recent trend report on customization and personalization and Micuna’s LIFE collection is completely on trend. With its endless combinations and constructions, the Micuna LIFE Collection is designed for parents looking for something original and different, something that will make baby’s environment a unique and special place. Micuna gives parents the tools to create their own original crib model with LIFE, designing combinations to suit their individual taste with a variety of options available. Parents will have fun designing their own customizable crib with a range of 15 spindle shades from which they can choose three and combine them with their crib base in natural wood or white.

Micuna has created four color combinations for the crib’s spindles that draw inspiration from magical places: Life Provenza, Life Kenya, Life Tribeca, Life Brooklyn. Also available are other standard colors as (White, Natural or Grey poles). The crib is simple to assemble, the spindles feature innovative spring technology allowing for them to snap in easily.

The life of the crib can be extended as baby grows older by allowing for multiple mattress heights, easily removing spindles for easy access for toddlers or even converting the crib to a toddler bed with an existing crib mattress up to age seven (additional parts needed). Handcrafted from solid beechwood.

HARMONY SINGLE EVOLUTIVE CRIB

Micuna has also created an evolutionary crib, HARMONY, to accompany children from birth to several years providing a familiar environment for baby that makes them feel good and grow safe.

This innovative modern crib offers the perfect solution that links practicality and space saving. Designed especially for those seeking baby products with exceptional features, quality and most importantly, safety, HARMONY can easily evolve from crib-to-twin size bed as a child grows.

It is crafted from eco-MDF and Micuna offers an optional Kit for conversion to twin bed available.

Learn more about Micuna by following along:
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DIY Paint Splatter Bibs

by Gugu Guru 3 Comments

See Kate Sew partners with Gugu Guru again to share a fantastic DIY tutorial. This time? Paint splatter bibs to match up with her BABYBJÖRN Watercolor collection. Read on to get the details…

Make these cute and contrasty bibs for your curious new eater. They are also great for younger droolers and the stark black and white contrast will keep the attention of any little.

These bibs are super simple to make and chic enough for your modern baby bag! And I had a great time splattering paint everywhere!

I loved styling them with BABYBJÖRN’s on trend Watercolor collection. The Baby Bouncer Balance in mesh is awesome for a few reasons! It packs down pretty much flat so you can hang it or store it easily when you’re not using it. We always put our bouncers in a closet in between babies and they are awkward and annoying to stow! But this is so flat it’s amazing!

The bounce is right on and it has 3 different levels, that adjust like a chaise lounge-chair. Super simple to set up and super simple to use. I took it out of the box, lifted it up and snapped it in place. Shown is the Turquoise Turtle color that is so pretty and gender neutral (but not yellow! Hooray!) My little model had a blast bouncing in this chair and we just can’t wait to put our newborn baby girl in it. The mesh will be especially nice this summer as the weather heats up.

The BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light is so different than our old travel crib. It was also designed to flat pack, including a soft mattress that folds right into the carry case. It’s totally amazing how little it folds down to, but mostly how easy it was to set up. I usually make my husband set things up (I can’t read manuals, too boring!) but I didn’t need to even read the manual to get this crib up in 5 minutes. We are excited to take it to hotels and to also have an extra safe spot to put the baby at home. Safe from her rowdy siblings, that is. 🙂

The best part about this collection is the minimalist color scheme that will really go with anything. No tacky kid designs, just chic and functional.

So to round out your chic and modern baby collection, let’s make some bibs! I started with pre-made muslin bibs that are super soft and good for size 0-12M. But you can also make your own plain white bibs if you like sewing and then decorate them

Materials:

–pre-made white muslin bibs

OR make your own white bibs with this basic bib tutorial

-spatula, large paintbrush or spoon (for splattering!)
–heat set fabric ink

Other Supplies:
-large paper or newspaper to cover workspace
-clean piece of cotton muslin for pressing
-iron for pressing

Instructions:

-Mix the ink with a little bit of water to get a better “splatting” consistency. The ink listed in the materials is water-based, so it will thin out with a bit of water.

-Do some practice splatting on your paper.

Unsnap your bibs and lay them all out on your work surface.

Then get splatting! There are no rules here, just dip your brush and fling paint all over the bibs and paper. You’ll figure out a technique as you go for getting good lines and blobs.

This is really a fun and satisfying project, so go crazy! You can do as much or as little as you want.

When you think you’re done, let the bibs dry. If you can leave them where they are to dry do that so you don’t smear any paint. Let them dry. This may take a day or two depending on how thick your splatters get. If you need to speed up the process, use a hair dryer.

When they dry, lift them up and follow the instructions on the ink to heat-set the bibs. Use a press cloth (or a clean piece of cotton muslin) over the bibs to protect them as you heat-set the ink.

And you’re done! Snap your bib on and enjoy the paint splatters! These are extra great because food stains won’t show up as much!

Product Discovery: Lulyboo Lights and Music Lounge

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Now that the weather is warming up, families everywhere are itching to head outside again – sunshine, grass, flowers! But…where do you put a baby when the family is lounging outside? We’re so excited about the LulyBoo Lights and Music Baby Lounge, a perfect companion for your baby, whether you’re inside or outside.

The LulyBoo Lights and Music Lounge is perfect for heading out to a day at the park; it features a waterproof bottom and adjustable shoulder straps. If you’re going to the beach or on a picnic, you can simply wear the LulyBoo like a backpack and have somewhere safe for baby to rest and play. The 3 position canopy means that even if the sun is strong, baby will be protected; and speaking of protection, this lounger also features removable netting, so you can rest easy around mosquitos! Don’t worry about getting the LulyBoo dirty, the breathable mesh fabric is removable and easily washable.

While your baby rests in their lounger, they’ll drift slowly off to sleep while you relax! The LulyBoo Lights and Music comes with a unique soothing unit that rests conveniently on the lounge wall to gently stimulate baby. The unit incorporates mild vibrations, various melodies, and ambient lights to encourage playtime or help baby drift off to sleep. The music box comes with 11 songs and nature sounds, three vibration levels and a rotating color light show to keep baby calm and happy. As baby gets older, they can play with the two toys which hang down from the activity bar.

All of these unique features make the Lulyboo Lights and Music Lounge a wonderful necessity on your next trip to the park, day at the beach, or even just hanging out in your own house. Baby can drift off to sleep with a canopy and netting protecting them, or they can happily play and listen to music in their lounger. Not sure what to bring to a baby shower? This is a gift which will be used and loved many times over!

Traveling Picks

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By Gugu Guru Travel Editor: Mackenzie Dawson
I love to travel. Sometimes I think I feel most like myself when I’m getting my passport stamped or looking up train times on a Departures board. When was pregnant with my son, I worried about all sorts of things — but one of my concerns was that having a baby would “ground” me, clip my wings. A friend with three kids set me straight (this friend once went camping with 3 kids in Iceland, so she isn’t messing around.) “It isn’t going to be the same kind of travel, it’s not as light or spontaneous,” she said. “But you can absolutely keep doing it. It’s all about being strategic and having a plan.” Part of that plan? Lightweight, smart-use baby items that will keep your little one comfortable on the go.

Here are a few of my picks:

DockATot
How cute is this little nest? Use it at home when you want to give your baby a comfortable place to lounge; pack it up for a lightweight lounger when you’re on the go. Comes in 2 different sizes; Deluxe Dock for babies 0-8 months old, and Grand Dock, for 9-36 months. (I’m digging these print covers, but sadly, there is no adult-sized dock.)

BabyZen YoYo Stroller
Any parent/traveler knows you don’t want to be stuck lugging a gigantic, bulky stroller around the airport; it’s not a good look. Super-compact, the YoYo stroller is the first stroller that’s compliant with IATA overhead baggage guidelines for airlines — just fold it up, stick it in the cabin and you’re good to go.

GB Pockit Stroller
For parents with older kids (6 months and older) there’s the GB Pockit Stroller which is the world’s smallest folding stroller available on the market. This stroller is seriously compact — easy to fold up, it folds into a handbag-shaped package (with handle) and only weighs 9.5 lbs. The stroller handles well on streets and sidewalks. Forget having to check your stroller at the gate; this is the kind of thing you can toss into the overhead compartment and be good to go.

TwelveLittle Unisex Courage Backpack
When you’re traveling with a little one, luggage selection is everything — bringing too many bags will not only weigh you down, you’ll spend the whole trip frantically rifling through bags, wondering where you put the wipes. That’s why I’m a fan of this unisex backpack, which includes an interior padded tech sleeve for protecting your laptop, insulated side bottle pockets, nylon changing pad, and a hidden zipper pocket for, um, those clothing items you need to stow away quickly out of sight until you get to a washing machine, stat.

Mackenzie Dawson is a writer and New York Post contributing editor. She also writes for Glamour and Parents.

Product Discovery: bambu kids

by Gugu Guru 1 Comment

When new parents think about feeding their babies and toddlers, most of the time they think about what they are going to feed their little ones. However, parents often forget that what they put baby’s food in, and how they feed them is just as important! bambu kids features bowls, utensils, and even straws, which are all made from organic bamboo. As a wonderful and safe alternative to plastic, these products are all BPA free and finished with organic flax seed oil. Bambu Kids’ bowls, spoons, and bibs would make a perfect addition to any baby shower gift, especially for a mom who loves to cook!

The baby feeding spoons are designed as baby’s first foray into utensils; with a handle long enough for mom or dad, but a spoon-part small enough for baby’s mouth, these spoons are designed for ages 6 months and up. The spoons are made from a single piece of USDA certified organic bamboo and finished with a food safe oil derived from the flax seed. They are a safe and healthy alternative to plastic, free of phthalates and BPA.

As baby eats more and more solids, they’ll need a bowl to hold their food! This Bambu Kids’ bowl is made from USDA certified organic bamboo and finished with a food safe oil derived from the flax seed. Its rounded edges are easy for little hands to grasp and it is shaped to help avoid spills. As a healthy alternative to plastic bowls, your baby can knock this bowl on the ground and you won’t have to worry about shattering or breaking!

When it comes to keeping your baby clean during feedings, the Hemp Denim Baby Bib is a wonderful and safe alternative to vinyl or plastic bibs. This reversible bib is machine washable and accented with cotton piping to make it comfortable for baby. Made from a blend of hemp and certified organic cotton, this bib will surely last from babyhood to toddlerhood and even beyond.

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